Hollin Farm HISTORY, ALONGSIDE WITH FEW OTHER THINGS

Acquired by the late Robert C. Davenport in 1950, the farm known as Aspen Hill was in rough shape, with overgrown pastures in need of clearing. But with hard work and dedication, Davenport transformed the property into a thriving agricultural center. An old log cabin on the land was renovated and now serves as the centerpiece of the main house, a charming symbol of the farm’s history and evolution over the years.

In 1951, the first 30 cows arrived on the farm, marking the beginning of the farm’s cattle-raising operations.

The Hollin Hills connection: Hollin Hills is a community of 400 houses located in Alexandria, Virginia. These houses were built in the 1950s and 60s by Robert Davenport, while he was also running the farm in Delaplane. Awarded the test of time award from the Virginia Architects Association.

During the 1950s, the majority of the farm’s barns were constructed using lumber sawn directly from the property. A dedicated crew arrived on site with a mobile mill, cutting the wood on location.

During the 1960s, Hollin Farm achieved a remarkable feat, winning the Grand Champion title at the State Fair of Virginia for Beef Carcass three years in a row. This impressive accomplishment was a testament to the farm’s commitment to raising top-quality beef, and solidified its reputation as a leading Angus cattle operation in the region.

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Hollin Farm’s registered Angus herd numbered around 200 head. During this time, the farm focused on performance testing their bulls. Bulls were sold to mainly commercial cattle operations throughout the region. Thanks to this emphasis on quality and attention to detail, Hollin Farm became a trusted source of top-performing bulls and gained a reputation as a leader in the beef industry.

1990’s : Matt and Tom joined the operation. Working cattle in the chute.

In 2002, the first peach trees were planted at Hollin Farm, adding a new dimension to the farm’s offerings. Shortly thereafter, strawberries were added to the lineup.

In 2006, Hollin Farm introduced its first “pick your own” program, inviting visitors to come and experience the joy of harvesting their own fresh produce straight from the fields. This quickly became a beloved tradition for families throughout the region.

That same year, Matt and Shannon were honored with the prestigious Farm Achievement Award from the Farm Bureau of Virginia, recognizing their hard work and dedication to sustainable farming practices and innovative agricultural techniques.

Hollin Farm planted apple trees, plums, pears, and cherries in 2010, expanding their orchard offerings. In 2020, the original peach trees were replanted with new ones, ensuring visitors could continue to enjoy fresh, succulent peaches.